Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Hayward

California
200

Garden Grove is 12% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,971/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 20%
$90,166/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 26%
$765,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 7%
$2,016/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 20%
170,603
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $23,609/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Hayward — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Hayward?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Hayward?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $23,609/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Hayward

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro